Report: San Jose Sharks expect to host outdoor game in 2015
After the success of the NHL Stadium Series contest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles between the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks, it makes sense that other southern NHL teams would want to take part in the outdoor phenomenon.
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One team in particular is the San Jose Sharks.
According to CSNBayArea.com’s Kevin Kurz, the Sharks not only hope to play in an outdoor game in 2015, they full expect to host a game next season.
As far as location for the game goes, Kurz states that it would be one of two places, AT&T Park (home of the San Francisco Giants) in San Francisco, or the brand new Levi’s Stadium (home of the San Francisco 49ers) in Santa Clara. An opponent for the Sharks is also still yet to be determined, though one could make the argument for a number of teams (see Los Angeles, Anaheim or Phoenix) to come into town to swim in the outdoor shark tank.
When it comes to the aforementioned venues, Kurz gives his argument for why AT&T park would be the better option to host a game.
“Known as one of the most picturesque stadiums in the country, sitting on the edge of the San Francisco Bay and what’s known as McCovey Cove, it would provide breathtaking visuals for a national broadcast much like NHL games at Wrigley Field and Fenway Park in the past,” he said.
Mike’s Musings: I’ll admit that I was one of the most skeptical people regarding warm weather outdoor games. However, after watching how the game between the Kings and Ducks unfolded back on January 25, I officially became a believer in the idea, if the location is right. I still don’t think an outdoor game in Florida or Texas is a smart idea, but California is a state that can clearly handle it. As far as the venue goes, AT&T Park would be much easier to fill at 41,503 than Levi’s Stadium at 68,500. So, there’s something to think about.